complement 1 of 2

noun

ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)
Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

complement

2 of 2

verb

ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)
as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
Caramel and banana complement each other perfectly in this recipe submitted by Southern Living reader Mary Vail-Grube. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 July 2026 Sauces complement proteins, elevate vegetables and season grains. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Verb
The singer and actress, 33, received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, while looking like a true rockstar in a grungy gown with tousled hair complemented by sleek and smokey makeup that exclusively used Maybelline New York products. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 The former brings rich, caramel notes, while the latter adds a lighter, floral sweetness that complements orange zest, cardamom, and cinnamon. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
  1. supplement
  2. capacity
  3. adorn
  4. volume
  5. enhance
  6. real estate
  7. complete
  8. decorate
Noun
  • All supplements may cause side effects, drug interactions, or pose a risk to specific populations.
    — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 30 July 2026
  • Several companies already sell oyster extract supplements promising natural testosterone support and hormone balance.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of supplement
Noun
  • Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The 15 regular-season games for each club and the playoffs will be held at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium, a historic ballpark that has a seating capacity of 5,200 and opened in 1925.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Verb
  • It was set into an oval ring face adorned with blue enamel, diamonds and pearls.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Given his exploits for Spain in North America this summer, there’s an argument for him to once again be adorned with the accolade for being the sport’s best male player.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of adorn
Noun
  • The approach aims to transform a long-standing environmental challenge into a commercial opportunity while reducing the volume of waste and the regulatory burden associated with its storage and management.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Andrey Rudakov | Bloomberg | Getty Images The surge in trading volume on Kalshi and Polymarket last fall drove Deneau to become a full-time prediction market trader.
    — Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of volume
Verb
  • Andrew Reiter, founder of Shield AI, advocates for autonomous drones to enhance military safety by replacing soldiers in dangerous reconnaissance.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The chilliest option on this list, ice diving at Ultima Hotel Courchevel is a thrilling, health-boosting, and mood-enhancing water experience.
    — Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of enhance
Noun
  • Billionaires buying up South Florida real estate, corporate expansions and a widening gulf between luxury and everyday home prices are changing Miami-Dade’s economic landscape.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The jobs span the agriculture, automotive, education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, law enforcement, real estate and retail industries, among others, according to the fair’s website.
    — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of real estate
Verb
  • The freshman four-year graduation rate is the percentage of undergraduate students who entered the university as freshmen and completed their bachelor’s degree within four years.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
  • Ivory Coast’s 20-year-old winger Bazoumana Toure started his nation’s opening game against Ecuador and then completed a £42million ($56m) move to Newcastle United the following week.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of complete
Verb
  • Rupnik had been one of the most celebrated contemporary religious artists in the Catholic Church, designing stylized mosaics that decorate churches and basilicas around the world, including at Lourdes and the Vatican.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
  • Behind the two men is an antique-style table with dragons decorating the legs, upon which sit two porcelain bird statues and a small pot filled with purple and white flowers.
    — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 21 July 2026
Definition of decorate

Browse Nearby Words

compleat
complement
complementary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on complement

Nglish: Translation of complement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about complement

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